My guess is that most Catholic worshippers here and around the globe did not expect to hear the readings proclaimed this day which seem to follow no lectionary rhyme or reason. Consequently, it makes sense for assembly and homilist to ask not only what do they mean but why were these readings chosen?

Getting swept away by the emotion of the moment, saying things we may regret later?#34;most of us would put that in the category "we're only human." But when the human also happens to be a village trustee, we hold him or her to a slightly higher standard.

After spending 10 days in Jordan and Israel, mostly Israel, I returned with mixed feelings. The Israelis are a hard people to warm up to. Admittedly, our sample was small and our interactions brief and shallow. We were tourists, scarcely scratching the surface.

Wednesday Journal's recent article on labor relations in Oak Park ["Union issues boil up," News, March 22] created an inaccurate picture of the state of employee affairs at village hall. To use a staged protest against a single action as an indication of bigger labor problems was a huge leap in imagination that was a disservice to Wednesday Journal readers.

The VCA is very concerned, as are many citizens, about the relationship between employees/unions and village management. Many employees have come to us in confidence, telling stories of unfair practices, harassment, and retaliation for whistleblowing on management.

Imagine the following classified ad: Village of Oak Park seeks highly qualified, seasoned and creative professionals to fill top staff positions. Must be willing to absorb abuse, disrespect and condemnation from village trustees, and have decisions undermined by trustees who think they know better how to manage day-to-day operations of village government.

I was on the village board that hired Carl Swenson, which also means I was on the last board to transition in a new manager. I am proud of Carl's record in working with four presidents and six boards. His accomplishments are very impressive, and I hope elucidated soon in this paper. Oak Park has benefited tremendously over the past 10 years from Carl's service, and I thank him for his stewardship.

On March 22, Wednesday Journal reported that Trustee Robert Milstein joined a protest by the International Association of Machinists, a union representing a large percentage of the village staff. It is Trustee Milstein's right to join a protest, just as it is the Machinists' right to protest what they believe to be unfair treatment.

Each year, the West Cook YMCA completes maintenance and beautification projects during our Summer Recess to create a better experience for our community members that come through our doors. We are seeking volunteers from August 16-30 to help us...